Two Buffalo Niagara companies get state ‘Green’ grants

Two Western New York companies have received more than $245,000 in grants from the New York Power Authority to promote green manufacturing and agribusiness.

Eden Valley Growers, a 10-member vegetable farming co-op in Eden, received $80,000 to install energy efficient coolers that will help it meet increased demand for certain locally-grow vegetables. The total expansion project will cost $400,000 and create six new jobs at the company’s distribution center. It is also expected to increase employment at its co-op member farms by 20 percent over three years.

Living Green Insulation Products and Services, an East Side business that makes insulation and mulch from recycled paper, will receive $167,570 to help with its renovation of a downtown building. The 150-year-old building will house the company’s sustainable manufacturing operations. The total project is expected to cost $891,000 and add 29 new jobs.

“The latest funding awards are closely aligned with strategic priorities of Gov. Cuomo and the Western New York Economic Development Council, the advancement of green manufacturing and the growth of agribusiness by New York’s family-owned farms,” said John Koelmel, NYPA chairman, in a release.